Mackinac Island & the Great Lakes

Welcome to Illinois! At 6:00 p.m., meet your fellow travel companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming journey.

Windy City Sights Discover the highlights and history of Chicago during a guided city tour, from Millennium Park to the Magnificent Mile. Travel on the “Loop” and see skyline views plus visit the Navy Pier on the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Shift from shore to ship and view Chicago’s legendary buildings and bridges from a unique perspective as you cruise along the Chicago River on a [LOCAL FAVORITE] narrated architecture cruise. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore on your own. (B) LOCAL FAVORITE Cruise the Chicago River on a guided tour featuring more than 40 architectural icons including the Wrigley Building, Willis Tower, Tribune Tower, and Marina City. Travel on the three branches of the Chicago River, with breathtaking views of Chicago’s famous skyscrapers, bridges, and landmarks at every turn.

Blueberries to Blue Bridge Travel through Indiana to Holland, Michigan for lunch and free time in the historic downtown area. Visit [LOCAL FAVORITE] Bowerman’s Blueberry Farm enroute to Grand Rapids for a farm visit and fresh blueberry dessert. This evening, explore the dining options and nightlife in Michigan’s second-largest city, Grand Rapids. (B) LOCAL FAVORITE Immerse yourself in fresh air and sunshine as you enjoy blueberries directly from the field at a third-generation farm. Savor a special blueberry dessert and discover unique blueberry-themed gifts and culinary creations at Bowerman’s Blueberry Farm. TOUR HIGHLIGHT Holland, Michigan was settled by Dutch immigrants in 1847 and still features Dutch-inspired architecture—including the historic homes and windmills at Windmill Island Gardens— visible today as modern life blends with tradition.

Bays, Bluffs & Lakeside Charm Explore more of Grand Rapids with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. (B,D) GREEN THUMBS IN GRAND RAPIDS Visit the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park with a guided trolley ride around grounds. Stroll the sculpture park and botanical gardens for a closer look at the extensive gardens and more than 200 outdoor art displays. In addition to displays native to the Midwest, the international gardens include a tranquil Japanese garden, English perennial garden, and more than 500 species from five continents in the park's lush tropical conservatory. PRESIDENTIAL STYLE Explore the Gerald R. Ford Museum, a tribute to the 38th president of the United States. Discover stories about Grand Rapids' favorite son through exhibits that include a replica of the Oval Office and a multimedia re-creation of the 1944 typhoon that almost swept a young Jerry Ford off the deck of a U.S. aircraft carrier! Browse mementos and memorabilia highlighting the life and times of President Ford and, inspirational First Lady Betty Ford. This afternoon, visit Traverse City, located on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan. Enjoy free time in the historic downtown with waterfront views and award-winning dining choices for lunch. Continue along the shoreline to Charlevoix to see the city’s Victorian summer resorts and “Mushroom Houses.” Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the historic Perry Hotel in Petoskey, perched high on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan.

Along Lake Michigan’s Shore Depart Petoskey and enjoy a scenic drive to Cross Village, on the shores of Lake Michigan. Stop at the historic [LOCAL FAVORITE] Legs Inn to sample traditional Polish specialties and enjoy incredible views of Lake Michigan. Continue north to Mackinaw City and take a ferry on Lake Huron to beautiful Mackinac Island. Upon arrival on Mackinac Island, ride in a horse-drawn carriage to the majestic Grand Hotel for a two-night stay. Since the Civil War, the island has been one of the nation’s most favored summer resorts. Discover this remarkable destination, where 19th-century elegance and historic charm endure, and bicycles, horse-drawn carriages, and leisurely walks remain the primary ways to experience the island. (B) LOCAL FAVORITE Visit Legs Inn, a captivating setting on Lake Michigan, founded by Polish immigrant Stanley Smolak and tempting travelers for generations. Sample authentic Polish cuisine such as kielbasa, whitefish, pierogi, and berry szarlotka (crumble cake) while taking in the artisan carvings, fascinating history, and unique décor. Designed with natural materials and inspired by both Polish traditions and the Indigenous heritage of the Great Lakes, the restaurant offers a unique cultural experience in a community with deep Odawa roots. TOUR HIGHLIGHT Enjoy a two-night stay at the Grand Hotel, where Victorian charm meets a peaceful, scenic setting. Unwind in a rocking chair on the world’s longest porch overlooking the Straits of Mackinac, swim in the Esther Williams pool, play lawn games, stroll through the famous gardens, and choose from a variety of onsite dining options. Since opening in 1887, the Grand Hotel has welcomed notable guests including Mark Twain, Christopher Reeve, and five U.S. presidents. Today, it continues to offer timeless elegance, historic character, and classic hospitality.

Somewhere in Time Free time this morning to relax and discover the island’s treasures. Rent a bicycle to explore on your own, visit Fort Mackinac, or sample some of the island’s famous fudge. Later, join your travel companions for a private horse-drawn carriage tour of Mackinac Island, just as visitors have done for more than 100 years. See the Avenue of Flags, the Governor’s Mansion, and savor the views at Arch Rock, one of the most photographed spots on the island. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner at the Grand Hotel in the Main Dining Room, with live entertainment from the Grand Hotel Orchestra and a locally focused five-course dinner menu. (B,D) ENHANCED FREE TIME Explore more on Mackinac Island! Wander and wonder in the charming downtown and enjoy art galleries, restaurants, and shops. Ask your Tour Director for suggestions on where to dine and what to see.

Straits of Mackinac Depart Mackinac Island for St. Ignace in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and visit the Wawatam Lighthouse. View the Straits of Mackinac and the iconic Mackinac Bridge before crossing the "Mighty Mac" to Mackinaw City. Return to mainland Michigan and visit Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse State Park, which has guided ships since 1889. Continue to Bay City, a lively waterfront town on Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay. Enjoy free time this evening to explore the scenic riverfront views, shops, and restaurants in the historic downtown. Discover Bay City’s local flavors for dinner, from Great Lakes fish and classic comfort food to time-honored Polish specialties. (B) ENHANCED FREE TIME Explore more in Bay City! Consider a stroll along the Riverwalk Pier on the Saginaw River or visit the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum to discover the area’s maritime and shipbuilding heritage.

American Ingenuity Depart Bay City for Frankenmuth, a storybook Bavarian-style town founded by German immigrants in 1845. Visit Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store, with time to discover the charming shops and distinctive architecture of the downtown district. Continue to Dearborn for a visit to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, where the spirit of American ingenuity vividly comes to life. Explore extraordinary exhibits, including a premier automotive collection, the JFK Presidential Limousine, George Washington’s camp bed, and the Rosa Parks Bus. This evening, celebrate your journey with your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a farewell dinner. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Step beyond the assembly line at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, where more than two centuries of groundbreaking ideas, inventions, and transportation milestones are brought together under one roof. From pioneering automobiles and aviation achievements to iconic artifacts that changed the course of history, this remarkable collection honors the dreamers, makers, and visionaries who helped shape America.

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more of the Detroit area? Extra nights are available for purchase. (B)